BlueScope, UoW announce 13-month steelmaking decarbonisation project

BlueScope Steel, University of Wollongong and the Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre have announced a 13-month, $1.8 million project to explore methods to reduce carbon emissions from steelmaking at the Port Kembla Steel Works.

The project is assisted by $924,784 from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and will consider the technical and economic feasibility of different decarbonisation and energy-saving options. 

UoW Steel Research Hub Director Dr Paul Zulli said research would involve “site-specific evaluations of all potential emission reduction opportunities at Port Kembla Steel Works, and pilot-scale test work of biochar pneumatic conveying.” 

Among potential emission-reducing technologies would be the role of green hydrogen, according to a statement from UoW. Future investigations would follow “for those high-potential, priority technology options identified for PKSW.”

Steelmaking is a hard-to-abate industrial sector, and essential to construction and countless other parts of the economy. It contributes an estimated 7 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

“As the world’s largest exporter of iron ore, Australia has an important role to play in lowering emissions across the steel value chain,” said Darren Miller, CEO of ARENA. 

“We’re excited by the insights this project will provide.”

Picture: Sylvia Liber/Illawarra Mercury

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